John Gooden signs new UFC commentator contract with ‘certain pledges’

John Gooden is right here to remain as one of many voices of the UFC.

Gooden, who has served as one of many UFC’s premier play-by-play commentators in rotation with Jon Anik and Brendan Fitzgerald, not too long ago inked a brand new multiyear contract extension to proceed his function.

After breaking into the area as a commentator for Cage Warriors, Gooden known as his first UFC occasion in March 2014. He’s been a mainstay since and is proud his work was validated within the type of a brand new deal.

“I’m by no means presumptuous, however I really feel like I’ve a very good working relationship with the UFC, with the staff,” Gooden informed MMA Junkie. “I’ve realized how they love to do enterprise. You guys would possibly discover within the final year-and-a-half or so, I’ve been working stateside. That was an enormous dedication on their half to fly me out as a lot as they’ve carried out. And peeling again the curtain slightly bit, I used to be spending a number of time between exhibits over the past 5 years or so, it may need been six or 9 months between commentary calls.

“I would get to do some reporting, perhaps a desk gig. Commentary is a little bit of a monster and a beast unto itself. If I’m out of rhythm, I’m clearly going to be a bit extra tactful on the producers. I really feel like that was one of many causes they had been attempting to get me stateside. And naturally they’re sympathetic to me attempting to place meals on the desk. Actually completely satisfied. I like working with the UFC.”

Previous to the COVID-19 pandemic throwing the UFC’s schedule and occasion structure into disarray, Gooden discovered himself with a much less frequent lineup of obligations. The lower in worldwide occasions and improve in playing cards situated on the UFC Apex in Las Vegas created some challenges, however Gooden stated issues are trying promising going into the brand new 12 months.

Gooden already has commentary gigs lined up for Saturday’s UFC Battle Evening 250 in Saudi Arabia (ESPN+), UFC Battle Evening 251 in Las Vegas on Feb. 15, then UFC Battle Evening 255 in London on March 22 over the primary quarter of 2025.

Consistency is one thing Gooden stated is a vital in delivering his finest product for the viewers, so he has excessive hopes for what’s to come back with the UFC making its dedication to him.

“They’ve made sure pledges to me on this contract,” Gooden stated. “I’m going to be concerned most likely the identical quantity as I used to be final 12 months. I believe the blokes actually do a very good job of spreading out all of the obligations and the assignments over a yearly interval. Actually difficult job. Clearly all of us need to be on as many massive playing cards, fascinating playing cards – no matter it is likely to be. I’m completely satisfied to assist out wherever and in no matter capability.

“What a gig it is likely to be for our overlords to take a view of everybody who holds a microphone for the UFC and say, ‘Let’s put him there or her there.’ I belief them that they’ll make all the selections and have our greatest pursuits in minds in order that we are able to all keep inside a very good quantity of reps to ship the best high quality potential, which is what the UFC count on from us and, in fact, what the followers count on.

“Being a part of the UFC is totally large. I’m actually completely satisfied. Let’s go once more. Let’s see if we are able to get to twenty years. I assumed 10 was going to be an enormous of a grasp, however that is Yr 11. I’ve managed this far, so why not?”

Try the video above as Gooden and MMA Junkie senior reporter Mike Bohn focus on his new contract and the highest storylines in a loaded February UFC schedule on “The Bohnfire” podcast.

For extra on the cardboard, go to MMA Junkie’s occasion hub for UFC Battle Evening 250.